Chapter Twenty Four: My Embarrassment

"Vous etes ici!" The cabbie called down from his perch.

Holmes alighted from the cab, helped me down and paid the cab driver. When the driver rode off we stood in front of the hotel staring at each other for several minutes, neither one of us affected by the cold.

Holmes's usually pale cheeks were red from the biting wind and his black hair was wild and messy falling onto his forehead and face in quite a sexy fashion. Our eyes met and once again I felt my pulse race. All the blood seemed to rush to my head and my ears pounded with the rushing blood. Time seemed to stop at that moment; there was nothing but me and him. I suddenly had the strongest desire to kiss him, to rake my fingers through his raven colored hair and claim his mouth with my own. All of a sudden I found myself trembling with need and sweating like a damned fever victim. Holmes must've seen the sudden change in me because he stepped forward and cocked his head to the side quizzically.

"Mackenzie, are you all right?"

I was suddenly afraid to speak, fearing my voice would be sultry, blowing my cover and expressing my desire for him. I nodded stupidly.

He took another step toward me his muscular chest and torso straining to break free of his well-tailored clothing …God that man has some body. He pursed his lips those soft pink lips, dear God how I want to taste them. "Mackenzie are you quite certain you are feeling all right? Did that man in the alley force you to take anything? You look feverish."

Yeah Holmes, I'm feverish all right. I'm friggin hot…and the cause of it is you. Why the hell do you have to be so stolid? Why do you have to hate love? Can't you just…

"No, Holmes, I'm quite alright," I muttered and was highly embarrassed when my voice came out in a harsh rasp.

The change in my tone must have worried Holmes as to my well being, because he instantly was at my side and took hold of my arm. "I think you might have caught cold in this weather. Look at you, you're shivering. Come, let's go inside where you can take a hot bath and get some sleep."

Trembling buddy, I'm trembling. There is a HUGE difference I assure you. I don't need a hot bath, I need a cold shower! Bed…what an alluring thought that is.

"I-I think that's a good idea," I said, feeling my desire to throw my arms around him and kiss him passionately intensify. It was obvious that he had never seen anyone in an aroused state let alone someone trying to hide their arousal, for he stood ignorantly next to me, clutching my arm.

He looked at me quizzically once more and then led me gently into the hotel.

We paused at the landing in front of the sitting room for Holmes to find his room key. It was quite late and undoubtedly both Watson and Becky would be asleep.

Much much better for me. I can calm myself down without any biting comments from Becky.

"After you mademoiselle," Holmes said opening the door.

God, why did he have such a sexy accent when he spoke French? If he continues to speak like this I'll be wet from desire!

"Merci," I whispered, proud of myself for making my tone sound somewhat normal.

We strode into the sitting room only to find Watson and Becky seated on the sofa.

"Holmes!" Watson turned around and stared at the two of us. I felt myself blush under the minute scrutiny. "Where the devil have you been? It's past midnight!"

The detective feigned a yawn and stretched. "It's that late? Well I must get to bed. Good night Watson, Mackenzie."

"G'night Holmes," I said softly.

Ignoring Watson's protests, Holmes disappeared into his bedroom and shut the door firmly behind him.

Shit! I thought when I realized I was left alone with my best friend and Watson. What the hell am I gonna say?

We stared at each other for some minutes, when Becky finally broke the silence, her face set in a smug smile. "So Mac, where's the other hotel room?"

Catching the implication of her words, I felt my own face color deeply. "Go to hell!" I growled in embarrassment.

"What's the matter Mac, you don't wanna tell us about your adventure in lust?" She was unrelenting, her face set in a wicked smile. "You are completely flushed!"

"Do not presume to judge what I have done," I said my voice tight with anger. "If you saw what I saw and heard what I heard tonight, then you can comment. Until then kindly keep your mouth shut."

"Tell me Mac, was he good?"

It took all my self control to keep from decking her. I could not believe her impertinence! "Keep your filthy mouth shut! I am sick of your cajoling! I am sick and tired of your snide comments about Holmes and me. For your information, not that it is any of your business, but there is NO other hotel room and there was NO sexual action! Now leave the sitting room right now so I can talk to a civilized person in peace!"

"What, Watson gets to hear all the gory little details?"

"Get out!" I shouted, my voice shaking with rage. "Get out of here right now!"

With another sarcastic comment, my friend exited the sitting room, leaving me and a very startled Watson.